Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Last night we had a few more Saint Arnold’s Oktoberfests. While I still like it as a beer, I would not go to it again as an Oktoberfest beer. It has this Fat Tire Amber flavor which I do not want in an Oktoberfest beer. My favorite Oktoberfest has gottta be Ayinger’s and I judge all others against it. Some of my favorites are Sam Adams, Brooklyn and Stoudts. I don’t know how many Oktoberfest beers are going to be available here. Surely we will get all the major German ones, but I am really excited about what domestics we will get here in Austin.

Today we delve into the world of bourbon barrel aging. Sorry folks, this one is only available in Austin. You will have to visit to taste. One snob's review:

Just got this after arriving and finding the Kodiak IPA is no longer available. This ended up being a nice surprise though in the end. Appearance wise, not too impressive, no head, black color. Can pull much of an aroma off this one, too many food smells wafting around the joint. Bourbon right away in the flavor, nice warming. Wet and smooth drinker. Very enjoyable. Went well with my burger.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Monday, August 18, 2008

I had my first Oktoberfest beer of the year tonight—Saint Arnold's. It was a good one to start with. Märzen/Oktoberfest beers are by far my favorite style of beer. I can not get enough of them. I know some are available year round, but I do my best only to have them within their season (fall). It is a little early, but I got antsy and when I saw that Gingerman had Saint Arnold's Oktoberfest on tap I jumped at the chance to try it for the first time.

In the past my favorites have been Stoudts, Brooklyn, Ayinger and Hacker-Pschorr. I am looking forward to trying more southwestern versions of the style this year.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

It's old news by now, but if you have not heard—Boulevard is in town. I have been meaning to try some and today I jumped at the opportunity to pick up a mixed twelve pack at Central Market. I love when breweries do this. Now I just need to decide what I want to drink with dinner tonight (chicken pesto w/ pasta).

Monday, August 11, 2008

The wife and I made it out to (512) Brewery's grand opening. Unfortunately I oafishly left the camera at home. The crowd was pretty thick when we first showed up and hella busy on our way out. I enjoyed the IPA - it was hazy and a had a soggy hop flavor. My opinion is that is better than Live Oak's IPA, which I also had recently.

Daniela, my cousin, hooked me up again. About a month ago she brought me back some Deschutes from Portland. Recently she visited Chicago with her sister Ale and they brought back a few bottles of Goose Island for my enjoyment. Daniela is lately becoming my beer mule. You guys rock.

First up: Pere Jacques. A solid dubble. I rated it a B+ on beeradvocate.com, but off the top of head I would say it is about a B-. A good American representation of the style.

Then Summertime. Kolcshstyle, not my favorite. Passable. I guess it would go well in the blistering sun, but I have had much better Kolsch beers.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Monday, August 4, 2008

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was recently in Orlando, FL for my grandfather's funeral. While this was an obviously sad occasion, it was also an opportunity to grab some beers I can not get in Austin. My plan was to fit in a visit to Orlando Brewing or at least pick up some of their beers. Alas, time was tight and I could not swing it. But I was able to stop by Knightly Spirits, a terrific store five minutes from my parents house.

This is what I bought and brought home to Austin. A couple Hopfen Weisse, a Grand Cru, and a sixer of Brooklyn Lager (a beer close to my heart, after living in Brooklyn for four years). I also had a sixer of Two Hearted Ale, but this was finished in Orlando.

I'll be back in Orlando soon and then again for Christmas. I plan on bringing much more back before 2009.